Provoking big debate about small agriculture
What smallholders need is a more coordinated means to link infrastructure, financial services and market access in one way Giel Ton, Wageningen UR and ESFIM
The question is not whether we need markets, but how we can shape the institutions and frameworks that organise markets to be more inclusive and resilient. Olivier de Schutter, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food
Markets work against smallholders and agricultural labourers for the simple reason that they both exercise little power in their ability to negotiate. Empowering these people is ultimately the only way in which they will be able to secure a better share of the value chain Peter McAllister, Ethical Trading Initiative
Creating the institutional structure where [small-scale farmers] can stand on their own two feet will be the most sustainable solution to this whole debate. Sanjeev Asthana, National Skills Foundation for India
We are not interested in Europe-only solutions on corporate social responsibility. We are interested in global solutions and how Europe can participate in those. Richard Howitt, MEP and European Parliament spokesperson on CSR
Small-scale agriculture is well and truly back in the development spotlight — as the future to global food security, a route to rural poverty reduction, a steward of natural resources and a key to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
But if the need to support small-scale agriculture is agreed, the way forward remains highly contested. There is certainly a role for markets and the private sector. Indeed, many development policymakers and practitioners speak about ‘making markets work for the poor’ as the key to securing economic development, growth and prosperity.
But how best can we do that? Should we emphasise markets or rights? Is large agribusiness a partner in development, or a driver of exclusion? Do we support smallholders or wage labourers? How do we ensure the most vulnerable and marginalised benefit?
An IIED/Hivos knowledge programme, Small Producer Agency in the Globalised Market, has sought to stimulate debate on these issues that are ‘stuck’, through a travelling series of provocative seminars across Europe — in The Hague, Stockholm, Paris, Manchester and Brussels. The ‘provocations’ brought new and challenging insights on the role of markets and business in the future of smallholder agriculture.
Holding the ‘provocations’ in Europe was no accident. By contesting conventional wisdom and presenting fresh perspectives in European powerhouses, the knowledge programme got up close and personal to those within the development community — donors, investors, researchers and businesses — who hold real power and influence in shaping pro-poor markets.
Provocation videos
Watch the IIED/Hivos provocative seminars held across Europe
Video documentary: Small producer agency in globalised markets (Spanish with English subtitles)
Internal links
Making markets work for small-scale farmers? A series of ‘provocation’ seminars
Small Producer Agency in the Globalised Market